173. National Security Study Memorandum 851 2
TO:
- The Secretary of State
- The Secretary of Defense
- The Director, Office of Science and Technology
- The Director, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency
SUBJECT:
- U.S. Policy on Toxins
As a follow-up to National Security Study Memorandum 59, and in light of the decisions set forth in National Security Decision Memorandum 35, the President has directed a study of all aspects of United States policy and programs with respect to toxins.
The review should consist of a presentation of current and alternative United States policies and programs with respect to toxins and the pros and cons of each. It should include discussion of research and development programs and objectives, production methods, current capabilities, the military utility of toxins, and the effects upon the United States international position.
The President has directed the NSC Interdepartmental Political-Military Group (IPMG) perform this study and that the addressees be included in the IPMG for purposes of this study.
The report of the IPMG should be forwarded to the NSC Review Group by January 16, 1970.
- Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 365, Subject Files, NSSMs (43–103.) Secret. A copy was sent to Helms and Wheeler.↩
- The President informed the Secretaries of State and Defense, and the Directors of Arms Control and the Office of Science and Technology that, in compliance with NSSM 59, he had directed the preparation of a study on all aspects of U.S. policy and programs with respect to toxins. The report was due January 16.↩